Setting up a dedicated feeding station for a photography project has always been something that I've wanted to do. Seeing Alan Woolnough's earlier post about his plans for the winter inspired me to actually try and make something happen this year.
I have a couple of sites in mind and will be asking the landowners permission soon (I do some voluntary work for them so hopefully it will be granted).
However, I have never setup a feeding station like this before so if any of you could provide some tips on things such as how often to feed, do's/don'ts etc. it would be appreciated.
I'll try and post some further info later when time allows but the first thing that comes to mind regarding the do's and don'ts is always ensure your feeders are well stocked,even if this means visiting your set-up on a daily basis.
The birds will come to depend on your offerings,particularly during bad weather,and their lives may depend on it,so with that in mind I find it best to continue feeding right up to the Spring when more natural foodstuffs become plentiful.
Posted by Vincent Jones on October 17, 2006 at 1:42 PM
With regards to feeding stations, don't laugh but this was one of mine during the winter 2005 It was simple & it worked Birds that visit this feeding station have been more of the common species such as Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, GS Woodpecker, Wren, Robin & the local Sparrowhawk. Most perching can be added & fixed into place for the above species to land on, some days they are queuing on some of the perches waiting to get to the food.
Please don't call me names after seeing this image
Release aviaries in the background, which I can monitor, feeders by the vehicle I use & a concrete wild boar in the background to set the scene.
Who else would like to post an image of their feeding station, would be good to see other set ups
Posted by Sean Bolton on October 17, 2006 at 2:18 PM
Hi Rich
I think Vince's shot shows it all really. The important thing is to setup the perches at the right distance from the feeders (not neccessarily right on top of them). Hopefully then you will get the birds queueing up on the perches before hopping down to feed.
Also think about your backgrounds too when positioning your perches.
cheers
Sean
Posted by Simon Hawtin on October 17, 2006 at 2:39 PM
Just recently set up this feeding station. 2 large peanut feeders, a table for perches/feeding and a couple of natural perches - the dead tree and a small mossy mound to the right.
Also put up since this was taken is a woodpecker/nuthatch tree trunk.
The wood seems as if it should be good for Jays, Tits and nuthatch. Also heard bullfinch - any tips on enticing them to the feeders? Also plenty of Wrens and a buzzard seems to make an appearance now and then.
It is set up for a 500mm lens for the smaller stuff and a 300mm for “Jay days.”
The problem I have made for myself is that there are too many possible perches, especially the elder behind the peanut feeders. I have done a feeding station away from cover so I thought I would do it differently this time.
No real other pointers other than as Justin said keep it well stocked. Look at the background before you set up and obviously where the low winter sunlight will be coming from.
Cheers
Simon
A few ideas that spring to mind regarding setting up a feeding station.
1) Location/habitat type is vital.Pay frequent visits to your potential site to ensure any chosen or specific species are likely to inhabit the area.
A good selection of deciduous woodland in the immedeate area is a good bet.
2) Being able to use private land (with permission) isn't essential for a feeding station but will be much better than public land where the constant threat of your site being discovered,and worst still,wrecked by nosey passers by is always a concern.
3) Pick a spot with the background a good distance away if you intend for the totally diffused,undistracting background look.Also ensure the hide is well sited to make the most of the Winter sun.The sun coming from behind you works well and should ensure good light from dawn till dusk.
5) Ensure the positioning of your hide is the optimum height and distance from your chosen perches.Set the camera and lens up and check the view,noting any unwanted areas in the background.
Posted by Vincent Jones on October 17, 2006 at 3:21 PM
Justin, thanks for the above knowledge, now that is what I call a good way to set up a hide, this I am going to try out in the forest of dean. Thanks Justin
The above was my first attempt of hiding my vehicle It worked but I kept getting some really strange looks when I over took people on the way to the feeders & other project sites.
It worked a treat when I got there I used this once but then gave up because........
Pick an area where the light will be best at the time of day you're going to take your pictures.
The feeders and perches are south of my hide so the light is good both in the morning and evening in the winter.
Take your time pruning out branches that are not photogenic. They may be used on the way into or out of the feeding station. I've left a lot in place so theres plenty of cover from the local Sparrow Hawk.
Find some well rotted logs preferably covered with moss and build a log pile. Not only will this provide photo ops but will also provide habitat for mice and with luck weasels and possibly stoat.
Try feeding mealworms as well as seeds. As has already been said you've got to make a commitment to feed on a regular basis until the spring.
Take your time and let the feeding station evolve, it will take time to get right.
Enjoy and ask questions, theres a wealth of info available here if you just ask.
Regards
SteveHL
Justin, thanks for the above knowledge, now that is what I call a good way to set up a hide, this I am going to try out in the forest of dean. Thanks Justin
Pleased it's helped Vince.Unfortunately I couldn't get the images to show so had to link to them instead.
I think I prefer the comfort of your four wheeled hide to mine .
Although I am fortunate in having some company in mine,in the form of a family of rats and the occasional bank vole
Posted by Vincent Jones on October 17, 2006 at 4:00 PM
Personally I would prefer the rats & the bank vole I bet your hide doesn't get a flat battery.
The image links you posted I copied into the address bar, IMO these should be compiled & placed somewhere on this site for visual reference. Its a great way to construct a hide set up.
1) Foodstuff: The usuall items such as wild bird seed,sunflower seeds and peanuts are must haves.Best way to buy them is in 25kg sacks.
2) Another superb foodstuff is lard.A whole array of bird's love it including Great Spotted Woodpeckers,Great tits,Blue Tits,especially Long Tailed tits,blackbirds,robins,etc.
It's relatively inexpensive and is great for smearing on old tree stumps perches,etc.
If you can't always get to your site on a daily basis to top up the feeders,at least smearing lots of lard everywhere the previous day will ensure the birds don't run out of food.
Best bet is to put three or four blocks in a big square tub,then warm it in the microwave for a couple of minutes.It will then spread much easier.
Bread crumbs are a good foodstuff too.Put several slices in a food processor or blender for a few minutes.
If your unable to use hanging peanut feeders due to the squirrels wrecking them,just scatter the peanuts,for instance,on the ground.It's best to put these in the blender too on the day of photography,this will keep the birds returning more frequently,instead of nipping by every now and then for a whole peanut.
Drill 1cm holes in a log and fill with lard,this will keep the G.S.Woodpeckers coming in reguarly.On the actual photography day substitute the lard for peanuts crammed into the holes,this will avoid your images having woodpeckers with lard plastered all over their beaks.
Peanut fragments are less sticky.
It's a good idea to have two lots of perches,one set which are up every day,and a nice collection of attractive lichen,moss,etc covered ones which should be put up in place of the everday ones,at the last minute prior to photography.
Putting them up to far in advance will result in the sun drying out the moss and lichens making them less attractive.The squirrels also wreck them.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your shoots accordingly.For instance if frost is due,make sure your perches are out and ready the night before,this will ensure they're covered in a nice layer of photogenic frost.
Sunshine is great,especially at first and last light but don't overlook cloudy days which have the advantage of allowing you to record maximum detail in the birds plumage.The lack of any dark shadows can be a blessing,as can not having to worry about the light direction.
Worth doing a session or two in the rain too for something a little different.
Concentrate on the hardest to photograph birds first such as Sparrowhawks,Jay's,and to a much lesser extent Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
The reason being you will have endless oppurtunities with the robins,great tits,blue tits,long-tailed tits,etc,etc. even if they become aware of your presence,they will even become tollerant of your presence even without the concealment of a hide.
However unless your very lucky,you will only get limited oppurtunities with Jays for instance, if they ever see you going into or coming out of your hide they'll be off and will only return if their sure the coast is clear,so for this reason it's best to start with them first,IMHO,in case you slip up and blow your cover.
When siting your perches it's vital to ensure they are the correct distance from your lens,especially if using a prime lens.
For the small birds like tits,etc you may want the perch at 9ft (for example) away, a perch for blackbirds at 10ft away, a perch for wrens at 8ft away, woodpeckers at 13ft away,etc,etc.
If you are using public land be very aware that the chance of an expensive ready made hide getting wrecked or stolen is highly likely unless your fortunate to live in a particularly remote area.A better option is to construct a semi-permanant one out of whatever materials you find lying around.Fallen branches and trees,corrugated iron,all make excellent materials.
If you do intend using a ready made hide,it's an idea to set it up the evening prior to your planned session under the cover of darkness.This is often a better option than trying to do everthing at 5.00am in the morning in the hope of getting it completed before daylight arrives.
Be sure to take lots of memory cards,portable storage,etc.
it's suprising how many images you can end up taking on a full day's shooting from dawn till dusk.
Take a small torch,fumbling around with your cameras controls and/or sandwiches in a pitch black pre dawn hide can be tricky.
I find AI Servo auto focus works best,especially for the small active birds.
Posted by Alan Bryant on October 17, 2006 at 5:15 PM
This thread is awesome
Its great seeing the set-up's of what you guys use
I've updated the settings on the topic so that it shouldn't be deleted when the topics are automatically archived at a later date. Fingers crossed it works - this is the first time we've tried doing this on the new forum software that Jim had specially written .
Try setting up a peanut post. An upright post set in the ground and drilled with 8mm holes just out of site of the camera. Push peanuts into the holes making sure the camera can't see them. I've also drilled some 15mm holes so I can put in mealworms, peanut butter and lard. It works a treat for Gs Woodies and Long-tained Tits.
Regards
SteveHL
Posted by Colin Jakes on October 18, 2006 at 9:53 AM
In the park where I work Bullfinches often visit guelder rose bushes to feed on the berries, if anyone has a long-term feeding station it may be worth planting a couple of bushes. Otherwise, a friend had great success this year attracting his local birds to sunflower hearts both in feeders and on a bird table. The birds have continued to visit daily becoming very confiding. Worth a try I think if you have Bullfinches in the area.
Colin
Posted by Dave Courtenay on October 18, 2006 at 10:48 AM
I have bullfinches in my garden in France and although i had 3 feeders fed everyday i never ever saw them on or near the feeders,I did notice that they visited/nested in a bush in the garden and managed to get some shots by putting my hide next to the bush and focusing on the most visited branch,doesnt really help apart from noticing that they are creatures of habit and if you see them going into a bush chances are they will go again
Colin
Can you email me please . The address I have for you is not working, its ref camo clothing.
Cheers
SteveHL
Posted by Simon Hawtin on October 18, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Hi
Thanks for the Bullfinch tips. As luck would have it I planted 3 Guelder Rose in my garden a few years ago. Nothing ever eats the berries but the nearby Rowan is already stripped. I will take the berry laden branches to the feeding station and see what happens! Waxwing also like them.
Re Jays, I think there are too many acorns at present - it looks like it has been a good year. I always seem to find them relatively easy as long as you always have a good supply of loose peanuts on the ground for them to collect and store. But not too close to the hide.
Cheers Simon
Posted by John Gardner on October 18, 2006 at 2:10 PM
Justin, your guide was particularly useful as an insight into hide building and set layout. It made me realise I was overlooking one obvious factor in my planned location - preparing the ground. The location I had in mind will never have even ground due to the large grassy/sedgey clumps that exist there. So I will be out at the weekend to try and pick out an alternative location.
The second reason my initial location would be awkward is that it would not be easy to get to during darkness which is when I will have to top up feeders etc. (got to hate office working )
Once again, thanks all for a fantastic response. If I manage to get something going over the next couple of months I will keep you posted on progress, hopefully with some nice images.
Pleased you found it useful Rich.
Don't worry too much about the ground being uneven,and if you can't, or don't want to disturbe the ground too much,just get yourself half a concrete block and hang that from your tripod,it will improve it's stability no end.
Look forward to seeing some results,as and when you get them.
Posted by Simon Hawtin on October 19, 2006 at 3:17 AM
As an alternative to concrete - I have lost mine so came up with an alternative. Piece of cord, loops at either end. One over the top of the tripod. the other looped round your boot. Get the length right then as you put your foot to the ground it will tighten the cord and pull the tripod to the ground. May not work for everyone depends how you sit - but lighter than a bucket of concrete!
Cheers Simon
Discussion
23 repliesSetting up a dedicated feeding station for a photography project has always been something that I've wanted to do. Seeing Alan Woolnough's earlier post about his plans for the winter inspired me to actually try and make something happen this year.
I have a couple of sites in mind and will be asking the landowners permission soon (I do some voluntary work for them so hopefully it will be granted).
However, I have never setup a feeding station like this before so if any of you could provide some tips on things such as how often to feed, do's/don'ts etc. it would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rich.
I'll try and post some further info later when time allows but the first thing that comes to mind regarding the do's and don'ts is always ensure your feeders are well stocked,even if this means visiting your set-up on a daily basis.
The birds will come to depend on your offerings,particularly during bad weather,and their lives may depend on it,so with that in mind I find it best to continue feeding right up to the Spring when more natural foodstuffs become plentiful.
Please don't call me names after seeing this image
Release aviaries in the background, which I can monitor, feeders by the vehicle I use & a concrete wild boar in the background to set the scene.
Who else would like to post an image of their feeding station, would be good to see other set ups
I think Vince's shot shows it all really. The important thing is to setup the perches at the right distance from the feeders (not neccessarily right on top of them). Hopefully then you will get the birds queueing up on the perches before hopping down to feed.
Also think about your backgrounds too when positioning your perches.
cheers
Sean
Also put up since this was taken is a woodpecker/nuthatch tree trunk.
The wood seems as if it should be good for Jays, Tits and nuthatch. Also heard bullfinch - any tips on enticing them to the feeders? Also plenty of Wrens and a buzzard seems to make an appearance now and then.
It is set up for a 500mm lens for the smaller stuff and a 300mm for “Jay days.”
The problem I have made for myself is that there are too many possible perches, especially the elder behind the peanut feeders. I have done a feeding station away from cover so I thought I would do it differently this time.
No real other pointers other than as Justin said keep it well stocked. Look at the background before you set up and obviously where the low winter sunlight will be coming from.
Cheers
Simon
A few ideas that spring to mind regarding setting up a feeding station.
1) Location/habitat type is vital.Pay frequent visits to your potential site to ensure any chosen or specific species are likely to inhabit the area.
A good selection of deciduous woodland in the immedeate area is a good bet.
2) Being able to use private land (with permission) isn't essential for a feeding station but will be much better than public land where the constant threat of your site being discovered,and worst still,wrecked by nosey passers by is always a concern.
3) Pick a spot with the background a good distance away if you intend for the totally diffused,undistracting background look.Also ensure the hide is well sited to make the most of the Winter sun.The sun coming from behind you works well and should ensure good light from dawn till dusk.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jjcowtan/Feeding%20station/Image-One.jpg
4) Prepare the ground thoroughly.The sturdiest tripod in the world is only as solid as the ground it's on.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jjcowtan/Feeding%20station/Image-Two.jpg
5) Ensure the positioning of your hide is the optimum height and distance from your chosen perches.Set the camera and lens up and check the view,noting any unwanted areas in the background.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jjcowtan/Feeding%20station/Image-Three.jpg
6) Erect or build your hide.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jjcowtan/Feeding%20station/Image-Four.jpg
7) Camaflague it.(not so much from the birds but from people )
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jjcowtan/Feeding%20station/Image-Five.jpg
8) Collect and put in place a selection of attractive perches.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jjcowtan/Feeding%20station/Image-Six.jpg
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jjcowtan/Feeding%20station/Image-Seven.jpg
9) Enjoy many sessions of rewarding photography
The above was my first attempt of hiding my vehicle
It worked a treat when I got there
Insert in corner is a video camera.
The feeders and perches are south of my hide so the light is good both in the morning and evening in the winter.
Take your time pruning out branches that are not photogenic. They may be used on the way into or out of the feeding station. I've left a lot in place so theres plenty of cover from the local Sparrow Hawk.
Find some well rotted logs preferably covered with moss and build a log pile. Not only will this provide photo ops but will also provide habitat for mice and with luck weasels and possibly stoat.
Try feeding mealworms as well as seeds. As has already been said you've got to make a commitment to feed on a regular basis until the spring.
Take your time and let the feeding station evolve, it will take time to get right.
Enjoy and ask questions, theres a wealth of info available here if you just ask.
Regards
SteveHL
Pleased it's helped Vince.Unfortunately I couldn't get the images to show so had to link to them instead.
I think I prefer the comfort of your four wheeled hide to mine
Although I am fortunate in having some company in mine,in the form of a family of rats and the occasional bank vole
The image links you posted I copied into the address bar, IMO these should be compiled & placed somewhere on this site for visual reference. Its a great way to construct a hide set up.
1) Foodstuff: The usuall items such as wild bird seed,sunflower seeds and peanuts are must haves.Best way to buy them is in 25kg sacks.
2) Another superb foodstuff is lard.A whole array of bird's love it including Great Spotted Woodpeckers,Great tits,Blue Tits,especially Long Tailed tits,blackbirds,robins,etc.
It's relatively inexpensive and is great for smearing on old tree stumps perches,etc.
If you can't always get to your site on a daily basis to top up the feeders,at least smearing lots of lard everywhere the previous day will ensure the birds don't run out of food.
Best bet is to put three or four blocks in a big square tub,then warm it in the microwave for a couple of minutes.It will then spread much easier.
Bread crumbs are a good foodstuff too.Put several slices in a food processor or blender for a few minutes.
If your unable to use hanging peanut feeders due to the squirrels wrecking them,just scatter the peanuts,for instance,on the ground.It's best to put these in the blender too on the day of photography,this will keep the birds returning more frequently,instead of nipping by every now and then for a whole peanut.
Drill 1cm holes in a log and fill with lard,this will keep the G.S.Woodpeckers coming in reguarly.On the actual photography day substitute the lard for peanuts crammed into the holes,this will avoid your images having woodpeckers with lard plastered all over their beaks.
Peanut fragments are less sticky.
It's a good idea to have two lots of perches,one set which are up every day,and a nice collection of attractive lichen,moss,etc covered ones which should be put up in place of the everday ones,at the last minute prior to photography.
Putting them up to far in advance will result in the sun drying out the moss and lichens making them less attractive.The squirrels also wreck them.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your shoots accordingly.For instance if frost is due,make sure your perches are out and ready the night before,this will ensure they're covered in a nice layer of photogenic frost.
Sunshine is great,especially at first and last light but don't overlook cloudy days which have the advantage of allowing you to record maximum detail in the birds plumage.The lack of any dark shadows can be a blessing,as can not having to worry about the light direction.
Worth doing a session or two in the rain too for something a little different.
Concentrate on the hardest to photograph birds first such as Sparrowhawks,Jay's,and to a much lesser extent Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
The reason being you will have endless oppurtunities with the robins,great tits,blue tits,long-tailed tits,etc,etc. even if they become aware of your presence,they will even become tollerant of your presence even without the concealment of a hide.
However unless your very lucky,you will only get limited oppurtunities with Jays for instance, if they ever see you going into or coming out of your hide they'll be off and will only return if their sure the coast is clear,so for this reason it's best to start with them first,IMHO,in case you slip up and blow your cover.
When siting your perches it's vital to ensure they are the correct distance from your lens,especially if using a prime lens.
For the small birds like tits,etc you may want the perch at 9ft (for example) away, a perch for blackbirds at 10ft away, a perch for wrens at 8ft away, woodpeckers at 13ft away,etc,etc.
If you are using public land be very aware that the chance of an expensive ready made hide getting wrecked or stolen is highly likely unless your fortunate to live in a particularly remote area.A better option is to construct a semi-permanant one out of whatever materials you find lying around.Fallen branches and trees,corrugated iron,all make excellent materials.
If you do intend using a ready made hide,it's an idea to set it up the evening prior to your planned session under the cover of darkness.This is often a better option than trying to do everthing at 5.00am in the morning in the hope of getting it completed before daylight arrives.
Be sure to take lots of memory cards,portable storage,etc.
it's suprising how many images you can end up taking on a full day's shooting from dawn till dusk.
Take a small torch,fumbling around with your cameras controls and/or sandwiches in a pitch black pre dawn hide can be tricky.
I find AI Servo auto focus works best,especially for the small active birds.
Its great seeing the set-up's of what you guys use
Sorry about the quality but to get the file size down the compression is high.
Regards
SteveHL
Colin
Can you email me please . The address I have for you is not working, its ref camo clothing.
Cheers
SteveHL
Thanks for the Bullfinch tips. As luck would have it I planted 3 Guelder Rose in my garden a few years ago. Nothing ever eats the berries but the nearby Rowan is already stripped. I will take the berry laden branches to the feeding station and see what happens! Waxwing also like them.
Re Jays, I think there are too many acorns at present - it looks like it has been a good year. I always seem to find them relatively easy as long as you always have a good supply of loose peanuts on the ground for them to collect and store. But not too close to the hide.
Cheers Simon
Thanks so much for the awesome response to this.
Justin, your guide was particularly useful as an insight into hide building and set layout. It made me realise I was overlooking one obvious factor in my planned location - preparing the ground. The location I had in mind will never have even ground due to the large grassy/sedgey clumps that exist there. So I will be out at the weekend to try and pick out an alternative location.
The second reason my initial location would be awkward is that it would not be easy to get to during darkness which is when I will have to top up feeders etc. (got to hate office working
Once again, thanks all for a fantastic response. If I manage to get something going over the next couple of months I will keep you posted on progress, hopefully with some nice images.
Cheers
Rich.
Don't worry too much about the ground being uneven,and if you can't, or don't want to disturbe the ground too much,just get yourself half a concrete block and hang that from your tripod,it will improve it's stability no end.
Look forward to seeing some results,as and when you get them.
Cheers Simon